Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. has achieved a significant milestone by securing its first large-scale nuclear power project contract in the United States, marking a historic moment for a South Korean firm in this sector. The agreement was announced on October 26, 2023, and represents a strategic expansion into the burgeoning American nuclear market.
The company revealed that it has entered into a preliminary design agreement with Fermi America, a U.S.-based energy developer. This collaboration involves the construction of four commercial nuclear reactors at a proposed “Complex Energy and AI Campus” located near Amarillo, Texas. This facility is planned to become the largest privately developed power network globally.
Fermi America”s vision includes an 11-gigawatt integrated energy system that will combine AP1000 nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, natural gas plants, solar power, and battery storage solutions. The electricity generated from this complex is intended to support an adjacent hyperscale data center aimed at managing artificial intelligence applications, according to Hyundai.
As part of the contract, Hyundai will undertake initial design tasks for the four reactors. This includes developing site layouts, evaluating cooling systems, and planning costs and schedules. Currently, the project is under review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Hyundai is preparing for comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction negotiations, with a goal to finalize the contract by mid-2025.
Company officials described this agreement as a breakthrough in South Korea”s efforts to enhance energy cooperation with the United States. “This agreement confirms Hyundai”s credibility as a trusted nuclear partner in the global energy market,” stated a company representative. “We plan to deepen practical collaboration based on the strong energy partnership between our two countries.”
This project highlights the growing demand for low-carbon energy sources in the U.S., particularly as the energy needs of data centers and artificial intelligence applications continue to surge.
